Here's what educators and partners are saying about the Ford PAS program.
Kate Soderstrom, Ford PAS coordinator, is interviewed by student about the importance of the Ford PAS program:
“The Met School saw Ford PAS as a way to take projects to the next level—as an alternative to Advanced Placement classes. . . . Real-world work and the Ford PAS curriculum get kids pointed toward college.”
–Joslyn Homberg
Teacher, MET School, Providence, RI
“Many students coming into the college are three or more classes away from taking a college engineering math class. Often they are discouraged or frightened to push themselves. Ford PAS has provided a bridge for many of these students—building their confidence and interest in engineering. . . Using the Ford PAS materials, we help [students] develop real-life skills associated with living on their own and taking responsibility for their academics. . . . Ford PAS gives students an understanding of the economy and how the world turns, their roles in society, and corporate responsibility. That’s the glue that helps them situate themselves in terms of the college experience.”
–Elaine R. Borrelli
Director, Engineering Student Programs, and Women in Science and Engineering Program, University of New Mexico
“[Ford PAS] is focused on enhancing a student’s possibility of going to college and being successful in college. . . . It also would . . . highlight for the students who have not given strong consideration to college more information about the skills they will need to succeed in higher education.”
–Barron Harvey
Dean, Howard University Business School
“We felt it was essential to collaborate with Ford PAS to increase opportunities for students to apply the lessons of the classrooms to real-world problems and take an active role in the learning process.”
–Raul Yzaguirre
Former President, National Council of La Raza
“As industry demands on the workforce increase, so must student knowledge of academics and 21st Century skills. Ford PAS gives students the opportunity to use those skills in the classroom while connecting real-world situations, problem solving, and hands-on activities to content areas. Ford PAS is the connection between academics and the real world.”
– Christina Salas
Ford PAS Region One Coordinator,
GEAR UP Education Specialist
“The collaborative relationship between the South Texas Ford PAS program and HESTEC has played a huge role in shaping science-related attitudes and in motivating students and parents to achieve and pursue higher education.”
– Dr. Roland S. Arriola
Chair, National HESTEC Steering Committee
“[Ford PAS] is proving to be an extraordinary attention-getter for the largely at-risk, Hispanic populations we serve in our high schools and in an out of school youth project.”
– Kevin Crain
Vice President of Cuban National Council
Here's what teachers are saying about Ford PAS and technology:
"Ford PAS provides hands-on technological experience for my students. This approach will give them a full understanding of technology by making it relevant to the student's current needs."
"It is right up my alley. With FAMS, I used lots of technology for 2 reasons: it was available, and the course required so much supplementation. Ford PAS is so much better because it integrates technology into curriculum. AND it's useful stuff! Students need to know this stuff."
"I have a computer lab; with computer I will be able to teach the kids (in the proper way) through the use of technology; since the classes are geared towards technology-based material."
"Technology integration into the FPAS curriculum is key. Students should stay ahead of the technology curve."
Quotes from our 2007 regional training participants (Nashville, TN):
“The company visit which we met with various levels of management reinforced many of the skills I try to teach. I needed to hear that these skills are important to employers: accountability, reliability, typing skills, resumes, English/grammar skills, teamwork, communication skills, and ambiguity.”
-Linda Waters
Antioch High School-CTE
Accounting & Computer Classes
“It has forced me to step out of my comfort zone and change my way of teaching. Especially helpful was the company visit where I realized the qualities they were looking for in people they hire.”
-Julie Rouse
Biology
McGavock High School
“Thanks Ford PAS for giving me the tools to better stimulate and motivate my students to become productive, confident, and self reliant students and ultimately world-class citizens. Shift happens and you have given me the confidence to tackle this challenge.”
-Casandra Dowdy
Antioch High Freshman Academy
CTE Facilitator
“Ford PAS was an excellent experience for a new teacher like myself.”
-Brian J. Mells
Hillwood H.S.
Math Teacher
-Sharon Stroud
Family and Consumer Sciences
Whites Creek High School
“Ford PAS was extremely refreshingly enlightening and invigorating…I am ready to implement this useful tool.”
-Martha Shaffer
Maplewood Comprehensive H.S.
“I have been inspired! I am actually excited about using the Ford PAS strategies in my classroom. I use many of these, but Ford PAS has validated these and given me the supporting rationale for using project-based/inquiry based learning.”
-Sherry Armistead
Antioch High School
